What is a macchiato? Great question! Keep reading to learn everything you need know.

If you wander into any respectable coffee shop these days, you’ll be greeted with a host of alluring sounding coffee options. You may be familiar with some, but have you heard of them all? It’s wonderful to have a choice when it comes to selecting your morning blend, but what happens when some of the names on the menu mean nothing to you? Do you plump for tried and tested favorites, or do you take the plunge and try something new? If you don’t want to take any chances and ruin your morning, it’s wise to read up on different types of coffee and find out more about them.

If you’re not familiar with the marvel that is the macchiato yet, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide you with all the information you could possibly need or want about the macchiato.

What is a Macchiato?

A macchiato is sometimes known as an espresso macchiato or a caffè macchiato. In the most basic terms, it is an espresso with a dash of milk. The name macchiato comes from Italian, and it means marked, stained or spotted. This description relates to the mark the milk makes when you add it to the dark, rich espresso. The quantity of milk is just enough to lighten the color of the coffee and pierce the smooth, black surface.

A macchiato is primarily made from espresso, and it offers an alternative to the classic espresso for those who want a powerful flavor hit with a touch of creaminess provided by the spot of milk. Most countries have adopted the Italian name, but if you’re looking for a macchiato in Portugal, you may need to order ‘cafe pingado,’ which translates as ‘coffee with a drop.’ This relates to the splash of milk.

If you search for the term macchiato, you may come across a series of options, including caffè macchiato, espresso macchiato, and latte macchiato (read what is a latte to learn more about this drink). Caffè macchiato and espresso macchiato are the traditional versions, which contain a shot of espresso teamed with a spot of lightly frothed milk. A latte macchiato is a blend of the macchiato and the much-loved milky latte. With a caffè macchiato, the milk stains the dark espresso. With a latte macchiato, the espresso shot stains the pristine white milk.

The History of the Macchiato

It is thought that the macchiato was born out of a desire to show the difference between the classic espresso and a coffee with milk. Baristas who wanted to signal to the waiting staff which coffee was which would use a spot of milk to distinguish the espresso from the coffee that contained milk. The name macchiato is derived from the Italian word for stained or marked. When you add a splash of milk to an espresso, the color changes slightly and the perfectly smooth surface ripples, so this name seems perfect.

Over the years, the conventional macchiato has evolved thanks to coffee shops and chains trying to spice up their menus and diversify their product range. The traditional macchiato contains espresso with a splash of milk, but it’s also possible to order a latte macchiato, which contains a much larger quantity of hot milk. Flavored syrups, such as caramel, can be added to the latte macchiato. This may float your boat, or it may make you recoil in horror, depending on whether you’re a coffee purist or not.

How is a Macchiato Made?

Any coffee aficionado should pay attention to detail when it comes to making the coffee of their choice. The key to a perfect macchiato lies in getting the quantities right. As the name suggests, this coffee should contain just a splash of milk, which is added to pure espresso. If too much milk is added, you may end up with something more reminiscent of a latte or a cappuccino. The aim is to preserve the bold flavor of the espresso while adding a very delicate, subtle touch of sweetness with a spot of milk. Typically, a single shot of espresso is poured into a demitasse (a small espresso cup) and then a splash of hot milk is added. Some coffee shops will add a fine layer of foam, but many will use a microfoam, which has been very carefully created.

Making a Macchiato at Home

If you’re a fan of a macchiato in the morning, the good news is that this is a relatively simple formula to get right. The first skill to perfect is making the perfect espresso. Many people have coffee machines at home, but you don’t have to have new-fangled fancy gadgets to create a coffee to rival the ones you usually grab on your commute. In fact, those with more traditional views would probably recommend more conventional techniques. One of the most popular methods of making espresso is using a Moka pot (read how to use a Moka pot to learn more).

If you go to Italy, it won’t take long for you to spot these tiny silver kettle-like appliances in the kitchens of cafes and residential properties. The Moka pot is a staple for coffee makers, and it is famed for producing smooth coffee, which hits the spot in terms of flavor.

1. To use a Moka pot to create your morning macchiato, all you need is coffee beans, a grinder, and a spoon. If you’re really desperate to get it absolutely right, you may also benefit from using a scale to weigh the beans.

2. Once the beans have been ground finely, they are added to the Moka pot with water and the pot is then placed on the stove.

3. Once the espresso is ready, you can move on to the next stage of macchiato production. This involves preparing and adding the milk. If you order a macchiato in a high street coffee chain, you may be greeted with a frothy top, stenciled patterns in the foam and coffee flavored with sweet syrup. This is not a traditional macchiato, and if you make coffee at home, you’re looking for a very fine layer of foam or frothed milk. The name macchiato means spotted or marked coffee, so you don’t want a chunky, heavy white layer.

4. Add volume to the milk very gently using a frother and then pour the milk into the espresso.

Many people choose to drink a macchiato from a demitasse, or espresso cup, but serving coffee in glasses has become more popular in recent years. In this case, a small glass should be used.

Who is a Macchiato Best for?

If you look at a coffee menu in this day and age, the sheer number of options and melange of names can scramble your mind and confuse your taste buds. If you don’t already know which type of coffee you like, it’s worth trying new flavors to broaden your horizons, but it can be helpful to have some idea of what you’re letting yourself in for.

A macchiato is often mentioned in the same sentence as an espresso and a cappuccino, two of the most popular and well-known coffee orders. The macchiato is essentially an espresso with a spot of milk. The milk creates a different flavor complex to the espresso, but the small quantity means that the coffee tastes very different to the cappuccino. In Italy, it’s traditional to start the day with a hit of strong coffee, and Italians are also averse to ordering anything that contains even a hint of cream after midday. This includes a macchiato, cappuccino or latte. If you do fancy a macchiato, and you’re visiting Italy, it’s worth bearing this in mind. A macchiato will go down a treat provided that you’re ordering before noon.

A macchiato is an ideal choice for those who don’t want the full force of acidic, rich espresso or the indulgent sweetness and creaminess of a cappuccino or a latte. On a scale, the macchiato lies between the two, and it offers the best of both worlds. The flavor is smooth and intense, the but that drop of milk just takes the edge off. If you enjoy a strong coffee in the morning, but you don’t fancy a straight-up espresso, this could be the coffee for you.

If you take a trip to a trendy coffee shop in this day and age, you may find yourself faced with a list of flavor options. Traditionally, a macchiato contains just espresso and hot milk. Flavored syrups are an addition that has gathered pace in the last few years, as baristas look to jazz up traditional products and offer an alternative to the classics. Whether or not you choose to try new things is entirely up to you, but it’s worth remembering that a classic macchiato would not contain any notes of caramel or cinnamon, for example.

Where is the macchiato most popular?

The macchiato originated in Italy, but it is now widely available. You can order a macchiato pretty much anywhere in the world thanks to the growth of coffee shop chains and the increased popularity of coffee. In essence, a macchiato is an espresso with a splash of milk, but you may come across multiple versions of this coffee, depending on where you are and what you order. The traditional macchiato remains a staple of Italian culture, and most people tend to drink it in the mornings. It has also become a popular option for coffee fans in other Mediterranean countries, the UK, and the US. While many favor the conventional macchiato, there are plenty of people who are much more familiar with newer, more exotic versions, such as latte macchiatos and caramel macchiatos. This tends to be the case where coffee shop chains are popular. You’re more likely to stumble across somebody sipping on a coffee with a hefty layer of foam and colored syrup on the top in the UK or the US than on the streets of Rome or Venice, for example.

The macchiato is very similar to the cortado served in Spain and other Hispanic nations, including Mexico. The Spanish name is based on the fact that milk cuts through the espresso. There’s one major difference between the cortado and the macchiato, and this lies in the preparation of the milk. In Spain, the milk isn’t textured like in Italy, so you get a gentle splash of milk rather than a microfoam layer.

In Australia, it’s commonplace to order a long macchiato. Typically, this contains a double shot of espresso, and a slightly more heavy-handed dash of milk served in a tall glass.

Tips for Ordering a Macchiato

If you’re a coffee fan, and you know exactly what you want, make sure you maximize your chances of satisfaction by placing the right order. Modern coffee shops and restaurants can be a minefield when it comes to ordering due to the sheer scale of options that are available. If you’re a conservative coffee drinker, and you want a macchiato that resembles those doled out in the bustling cafes of Florence or Milan, order a caffè macchiato or an espresso macchiato. If you’re not averse to being experimental or you fancy something a little sweeter than the standard macchiato, order a specific flavor or go for a latte macchiato. You can also modify your order to take allergies or intolerances into account and to add extra power with an additional shot if you feel like it could be one of those days. It’s not uncommon to order a double shot in the US and Australia, although this is not the norm in Italy.

You don’t have to be a coffee lover to realize that there are a plethora of different types of coffee available out there. If you’re not familiar with the magical macchiato yet, hopefully, this guide has given you an insight into how the macchiato came about, how to make it at home, and what you need to order to make sure your taste buds are wholly satisfied.

What is a latte and is it your go-to order at Starbucks or the local coffee house? If so, you are not alone.

Of the 400 million cups of coffee consumed in the United States each day, millions are variants of the latte. Alongside the espresso, cappuccino, and ice coffees, the latte is among America’s big four caffeine products.

Whether you’re one of the many latte drinkers in the country or you’re considering the switch from other drinks to this type of beverage, learning more about this coffee product is essential. Here’s all you need to know about this fascinating drink and how to maximize your enjoyment of the popular coffee.

History of the Latte

In its simplest terms, a latte is a coffee that is created by combining espresso with steamed milk and milk foam. It comes in many variants including both hot and cold while it is considered one of the most popular coffees around the globe.

The latte is traditionally thought of as a breakfast coffee, and can probably be traced back to the 17th century despite the fact that it has only been commonly mentioned by cafes since the 20th century. It originates from Italy, although it has been used for many years throughout mainland Europe and Britain.

Carrera Cafe Latte Art

Of course, it has been a popular drink in the United States for many generations too. In fact, the commercial version of the drink is very much an American invention despite the fact Europeans have probably been drinking this variant of coffee for generations.

Linguistically, the English word “latte” is a shortened version of the Italian “caffe latte”. In other countries, the drink is commonly referred to as “cafe au lait” (French) and “cafe con leche” (Spanish) which translates to “coffee with milk”. Ask for a latte, lait, or leche in those countries, and you’ll simply receive a glass of milk.

In America, the drink as we know it today is claimed to have been invented in Berkeley, California by the Caffe Meditterraneum. It wasn’t until the 1980s that its popularity exploded in Seattle, often heralded as the capital of coffee due to it’s Starbucks links as well as the fact the number of coffee shops per person is 10x the national average. Unsurprisingly, this spread coast to coast over the next few years, establishing itself as a national obsession before the turn of the millennium.

Given the millions of cup consumed each day, it seems that the popularity of the latte is here to stay too.

How is a Latte Made?

As the name suggests, the latte is essentially created by mixing coffee with milk. The milk creamer is traditionally a combination of steamed milk and milk foam.

In many ways, a latte is very similar to a cappuccino but has more steamed milk and only a little milk foam instead. Another similar coffee drink is the macchiato (read what is a Macchiato to learn more), which uses foamed milk only. A latte starts with an espresso shot (one for standard sizes and two for larger). This is then topped with the steamed milk (6 to 8 oz, or more for a large) and the milk foam. A barista may pour the milk foam in such a way that a pretty pattern is created.

Since going mainstream in the 1980s and 1990s, the basic formula for success has remained. However, new flavors have been introduced with vanilla, cinnamon, and various syrups now added to millions of latte every single day. Lattes may use whole milk, 2% milk, or nonfat milk. In recent years, coconut milk and almond milk have become increasingly popular for dietary needs as well as personal tastes. Soy milk is another option.

An iced latte is an equally popular choice in the summer months. This is created in a similar way but substitutes the steamed milk for chilled milk and is poured over ice, which may be liquidized for better consistency. Aside from being a staple summertime coffee shop product, iced coffees commonly feature in stores.

How You Can Make a Latte At Home

The popularity of the latte isn’t only expressed by the amount of cups sold per day. The fact that millions of latte drinkers consume a cup (or more) every single day is telling. If you’re a latte drinker, this is probably a crucial part of your morning routine. However, the trip to your local coffee house isn’t the only option. You could always make a coffee at home too.

First and foremost, you need an incentive to make the switch. Here are just five reasons to start crafting your lattes at home.

You’ll save money. A $5 coffee each morning equates to roughly $150 per month. You can probably craft your own brews for a fifth of that price. Even if you spend a few hundred dollars on a fancy home machine, you’ll make that money back in no time.

You’ll save time. Nobody enjoys spending 10 minutes waiting in line, especially when you’re running late for work or another daily task. Making it at home while getting ready is a far more efficient solution.

You’ll be able to have it your way. It might take a little trial and error, but you’ll soon find a way to modify the tastes to suit your personal preferences. Essentially, you’ll be getting the drink you love time and time again.

You’ll have greater control over the nutritional content too. Merely trading specific ingredients for healthier options can make your homemade alternative far kinder on your waistline. The reduced guilt should increase the enjoyment.

You’ll lead a more eco-friendly life by trading those single-use coffee cups for mugs. Even if you take the morning coffee with you, the use of a reusable flash will make a big difference for any green living enthusiast.

Not only are there several incentives for making a latte. It also happens to be one of the easiest speciality coffees to create at home. For the quickest results (that are probably the closest to barista coffee quality) buying an espresso machine that includes a milk steamer facility is the ultimate answer. With this machinery, most of the hard work is completed on your behalf while easily used pour systems allow you to turn the milk creamers into beautiful designs. Or you can just keep things simple.

While the coffee shop will use espresso, you can create equally delicious results by making a strongly brewed coffee. Whether using a coffee machine, a moka pot (read how to use a moka pot), a percolator, or even instant coffee is up to you. Top this with milk that has been warmed on the stove using a milk pan, and you’ll still gain that luxury latte taste even if this is a very slight variation.

Using either of those methods will bring positive outcomes but only if you use quality ingredients. Any quality store-bought milk creamer will be fine. However, the choice of espresso granules will have a significant influence on the overall texture, strength, and taste of your latte.

Finally, it’s worth noting that these tips are to create a basic latte of strong coffee with milk. If you wish to replicate the specific flavors such as caramels that are offered by your favorite coffee shop, you’ll need to add these separately. With so many online recipes and ideas readily available, this is an excellent opportunity to try out a few tastes until you find what works for you.

If nothing else, it should keep your latte experiences more exciting while also allowing you to create varying tastes for different family members.

Who is a Latte For?

The latte is primarily a breakfast coffee, although people do still drink it later in the day and into the early evenings. Nonetheless, it most popular at breakfast time due to the intense caffeine boost provided by the espresso. This highly-concentrated coffee can perk you up in an instant and lasts for a fairly long time too.

With this in mind, the perfect latte is most commonly enjoyed by those looking for that quick energy boost. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what type of job you do. Whether you’re an office worker or a construction worker, anyone needing a quick start to the morning may find themselves opting for the latte over many coffee alternatives.

The summer months may see you turn your attention to the iced variant of the drink. Meanwhile, the additions of syrups and other ingredients are purely for taste, although it could be argued that millennials are more likely to opt for those specialty tastes. After all, a Starbucks latte is a fashion statement as well as a tasty and invigorating beverage.

Where are Lattes Most Popular?

While the concept of combining milk with coffee is a longstanding tradition across Europe, it has only been a cafe and coffee shop tradition since gaining popularity in Seattle. The espresso plus steamed milk products are now a winner in the modern household and commercial venues from coast to coast.

Starbucks research into the most popular festive drinks shows that variants of the latte are the most commonly purchased hot beverages in Texas, California, Western Mountain Region, Mid Atlantic, Pacific Northwest and Midwest.

Each of those regions consumes a lot of lattes throughout the year while sales figures across other regions are still high.

Lattes are popular in Canada, Britain, and many parts of mainland Europe too. Spain, Italy, and France are the three countries synonymous with lattes, but millions of Germans, Belgians, Swiss, and Dutch are big fans too. All of the Scandinavian nations consume a lot of coffee, including lattes, with Finland leading the way in terms of coffees consumed per person per year.

Consumption figures of coffee in Oceania are a little lower, but lattes are considered to be Australia’s most popular coffee drink. In South America, a lot of Brazilians drink coffee (including lattes), but the rest of the continent is less interested. Most of Africa drinks little coffee, although some northern territories are a little higher. Asian countries are perhaps more inclined to drink tea, although latte sales are still among the highest of all the coffee beverages.

Essentially, lattes are consumed across the globe, and lattes are a central figure.

Additional Facts About the Latte

Lattes may be relatively new in the grand scheme of our coffee consumption, at least in their current form. Nonetheless, that hasn’t prevented the drink from making a major imprint on our culture. This is highlighted by the fact we have two days dedicated to the beverage. These are:

October 7th is National Latte Day.

December 3rd is National Peppermint Latte Day.

David Schomer is the man credited with starting the phenomenon that resulted in our national (and global) love of the drink even though the term can be traced back to William Dean Howells’ essay ‘Italian Journeys’ over 200 years earlier. Schomer is also a co-founder of the Espresso Vivace. For those wanting to create wonderful homemade lattes, his books are a great reference point.

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The creation of latte art is big business. In fact, you can even train in this line of barista work. Meanwhile, Kazuki Yamamoto has taken things to the next level by introducing 3D works, depicting everything from Snoopy to flowers. Furthermore, several competitions are held to decipher the best latte artists on the planet.

Considering it’s still only 30-something years since the craze started, it’s frightening to think about the future of lattes. As long as the great taste remains, we’ll be more than happy. As a side note, I recommend checking out Carrera Cafe in Los Angeles because they do some really cool latte art.

The Last Word on Lattes

The latte is undeniably one of the most popular coffee beverages in the world, and it started life in its commercial form right here in the USA. While it wasn’t until the 1980s that it began to gain notoriety, it’s now very difficult to remember a world without the morning latte. For millions of American, it is now very much an essential part of the daily routine.

Whether you opt for a homemade brew or stick to your morning trip to the coffee shop doesn’t matter. Just remember to tweak the tastes and the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences for this to remain your perfect caffeine hit for years to come.